You can expect to leave with a fresh feeling after viewing Elder Gallery's newest exhibition, Martha Armstrong, Solo Exhibition, which features works by the Massachusetts-based artist, Martha Armstrong. Armstrong, whose works were birthed both in her Massachusetts and Vermont studios, and during her travels across Europe, takes every day subject matter -- from still lifes to landscapes -- and juices them up with her chunky, colorfully layered brush strokes. Today, the exhibition opens with Armstrong giving a gallery talk, titled "Why I Paint What I Paint" at 11 a.m. and a reception from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Exhibition continues through Feb. 28. Open: By appointment on Monday; Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (hours extended during gallery crawls); Saturday, 10 a.m.-2p.m. Elder Gallery, 427 South Blvd. 704-370-6337. www.elderart.com.